Expat wanderer

Doha, Qatar on House Hunters International

Oh what fun – last night on House Hunters International, I got to search for an apartment in Doha. Well, not really, but virtually. Here is what the episode description says on HGTV:

Just after getting married to Meena, architect Ken jumped at the chance to help design Doha’s new international airport. So, they’re trading in the golden state of California for the golden lands of Qatar. But as these newlyweds discover each other, the new city of Doha is also discovering its own identity as it moves towards the future. From sleek new development to traditional neighborhoods, real estate agent Ana Figueiredo will help them navigate Doha’s changing landscape. Watch as House Hunters International uncovers all that glitters in Doha, Qatar.

I checked YouTube; the episode is not yet up. It was so much fun, seeing this young couple in the Souks, down near Al Saad in Mirqab, and out at the Pearl. The apartment they settled on was in Al Ashmak, near the Corniche; I think it was one of the Bilal apartment buildings.

I am guessing this – that the only properties they looked at were all Bilal properties. It would be one of the frustrations of looking in Doha; you only get to see the properties they want to show you.

That being said, the complex they chose was in a very central area – she can walk a lot of places; there are – or were – good small local places nearby for small grocery shopping, etc. They are near the Corniche, they have that great pool and sunning area on the roof, I think they even have a view. I think they made a good choice. The Pearl is beautiful, but remote. Her husband is working on the new airport; imagine the commute time to the Pearl. She would be isolated and lonely there, even though the view was gorgeous. I liked the third one, in the Al Saad area, but the thought of furnishing it was daunting to the young couple. I think they chose well in their circumstances.

I am an architect working on the airport also…in fact I might know this person, but it’s a big project so perhaps not. I have a two-bedroom in West Bay, not far from the Corniche, City Centre and even The Pearl is only ten-fifteen minutes away (non-rush hour). I can make it from West Bay to the new airport site in about 20-25 minutes (of course we’re going against rush-hour traffic) and I’ve heard the Pearl is doable but of course with one road in and out, you’re screwed if there’s traffic or an accident.

Good to hear from you, G. LOL, that’s the truth about the one way in, one way out. When we moved to Doha, the Ritz-Carlton was WAY far out; the Sheraton was pride of Doha but still considered borderline far away. We watched Parachute Roundabout disappear, and the great transformation begin.

I wasn’t shooting digital when we moved to Doha, so I had to go back and digitally shoot copies of the film photos I had taken (no longer have the negatives) but you can see some amazing changes if you read this entry: